Cape Town — One of South Africa’s most iconic television shows, Top Billing, is making a long-awaited comeback to screens, with a Reunion Special set to air on 27 November at 19h00 on S3, followed by weekly episodes starting in March 2026.
The beloved lifestyle programme, known for its glamour and celebration of South African excellence, hosted an exclusive reunion event this week at the Tintswalo Atlantic hotel in Hout Bay. The event, presented in partnership with Corona, brought together former and current presenters, producers, and special guests from the entertainment and creative industries.
The collaboration between Top Billing and Corona marks a dual celebration — the show’s television return and Corona’s centenary campaign, 100 Years Under the Sun. The partnership also introduced the Corona Beach 100, a global initiative showcasing some of the world’s most stunning coastlines. Four South African beaches — Nature’s Valley, Kraal Baai, Boulders Beach, and Camps Bay — have been included on the prestigious list and will feature prominently in the upcoming Reunion Special.
Among those attending were Top Billing Reunion Special presenters Ryle De Morny, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, and Fezile Mkhize, as well as former hosts Basetsana Kumalo and Michael Mol, alongside Executive Producer Patience Stevens and Cardova COO Bradley van den Berg.
Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Stevens said: “Top Billing came so far from the very first broadcast done in a tiny edit suite at the SABC to filming in the most magnificent houses in the country — and indeed the world — reflecting the best of South African talent in design, architecture, art, fashion, travel, entertainment, and sport.
“TV audiences were inspired to excel, and we often hear top achievers say how watching Top Billing gave them the vision and courage to make their own dreams come true. It is wonderful to be back and to once again promote South Africa and South Africans to the world — to show that we truly have the best of the best.”
Stevens’ remarks underscored the show’s 27-year history, from its debut in 1992 until its final broadcast in 2019, when it was the longest-running lifestyle and entertainment programme on South African television.
Van den Berg said the revival represents more than nostalgia — it’s a modern response to how South Africans engage with media today.
“Top Billing’s return is only made possible by the strong interest from advertising partners and brands that see the power of having an association with Top Billing and with S3,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the brand back not only on TV but also digitally — expanding on the show’s strong social media presence and connecting with audiences wherever and however they consume content. We are excited to be working with Corona on this project now and into 2026.”
As the sun set over the Atlantic, guests raised their glasses to a new dawn for Top Billing — one that celebrates South Africa’s coastal beauty, craftsmanship, and culture, all under the glow of Corona’s golden hour.
Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand at Corona South Africa, said the partnership captures a shared spirit of appreciation for beauty, simplicity, and connection to nature.
“Top Billing has always celebrated the beauty of South Africa — its landscapes, its people, and its sense of possibility. As Corona marks 100 Years Under the Sun, this partnership perfectly reflects what we stand for: a return to nature, simplicity, and joy. Through the Beach 100 platform, we’re proud to celebrate South Africa’s most iconic beaches with a show that encourages reconnection and spurs adventure.”
Echoing that sentiment, Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager for Video Entertainment at the SABC, said the collaboration reinforces the power of local storytelling.
“Top Billing remains a cultural touchstone — an aspirational window into the best of South Africa. Its return, in collaboration with a global lifestyle brand like Corona, reminds us that local storytelling can still inspire global wonder. We’re thrilled to bring this magic back to viewers.”
As the sun set over the Atlantic, guests toasted to the revival of a South African favourite — one that continues to celebrate the country’s creativity, craftsmanship, and coastal beauty, all under the glow of Corona’s “golden hour”.
Broadcast details:
Top Billing Reunion Special airs on 27 November at 19h00 on S3, with weekly episodes returning in March 2026. The show will also be available for streaming on SABC Plus.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
